HC Deb 17 June 1974 vol 875 c25
48. Mr. Hooley

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what reports have been received from the Middle East development divisions of her Department since December 1973 on aid requirements in that area; and if she will make a statement.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Overseas Development (Mr. William Price)

My Department receives a constant supply of information from Middle East Development Division in Beirut on the aid requirements of the 20 developing countries which it covers. Their needs are of many kinds but the requests for our assistance relate chiefly to the development of their natural resources, industrial potential and technology.

Mr. Hooley

Is my hon. Friend aware that the technical assistance given to the Egyptian Government to help clear the Suez Canal has been warmly appreciated by the Egyptian people? Will he draw the attention of the Middle East Development Division to the fact that the new diplomatic climate there following the disengagement between Israel and Syria and between Israel and Egypt has led to a greatly changed attitude towards the West and a great welcome for anything that we can do for those countries by way of peaceful technical development?

Mr. Price

I am grateful to my hon. Friend. In Egypt we took what we thought was the right decision, and we believe that it has been widely welcomed.